The rookie outside linebacker leads the Vikings in sacks (1.5) though two games and has the team's only forced fumble.

Barr's teammates believe the linebacker will become a beast as a pass rusher from the second level.

"He can give us that versatility on defense to where we can all kind of move around and have different parts of the defense and allow us to keep offenses offbeat," defensive end Brian Robison said, per The Star-Tribune. "(Offenses) can't key in on one guy. If they have one guy they need to take care of, they can't because they don't know where he's going to be. "

One example of where the Vikings can utilize Barr's versatility is in nickel packages. On Saturday against the Cardinals, Barr slid down to the right end spot on a third-and-2 from Arizona's own 13-yard line. Everson Griffen flipped to the left side and Robison moved inside to a tackle position. The Vikings got a great pressure, which led to a throwaway and punt.

The once-upon-a-time fullback at UCLA is showing the upside that scouts gushed about during the draft. Robison believes it's only a matter of time before offenses take notice.

"(Barr has) got such raw talent with just his speed and stuff," he said. "If he starts learning some of the hand techniques and stuff like that, he's going to be a force to be reckoned with."